Rather disappointed with the reverse proof West Point nickel in my set - it is not even close to full steps! Looks like something minted with dies from 1963!
The fact that the mint is now having to resort to consistent gimmicks like the "W" cent and now a reverse proof nickel concerns me; seems to suggest a growing weakness in demand for its proof sets.
Agreed bought every 2019 proofs and linc -w's after stopping from 1974-1987 except American Eagle's figure they're trying to boost sales? Until they post NBA coins I'm done hoping for a Kobe Privy mark! right?
The reverse proof for the ASE was a great idea and made for a really neat looking coin. The reverse proofs for all other series on the other hand... The reverse proof Jefferson nickel looks right ridiculous. I agree with the assessment of @QuintupleSovereign; hollow add-on to spruce things up on a product that, by and large, has always been boring.
It’s been that way for a long time, but some of them do well. When I gave up on all of the copper-nickel sets after the State Quarter series, I was surprised to find that some of them sold for more than the issue price.
Your hunch is right on the money. Mint sales have been declining for many years, hence all the new gimmicks we're seeing these days.
It seems like the mint is working on a Reverse Proof type set on coin per year. Perhaps next year there will be a Reverse Proof dime followed by a quarter and half dollar. That will probably justify a price hike. After all a dime is worth twice as much as a nickel!
